Rockets vs. Mavericks: 3 things you need to know

They are the two largest population centers in Texas, and the fourth- and fifth-largest metropolitan areas in the United States. Yet Dallas and Houston have never really produced a protracted sports rivalry. Specifically, the Mavericks and Rockets have only played each other in the postseason twice. 

This however, could be the kind of series that builds something. Here are three things you need to know going into Saturday night's Game 1:

This is more than the Chandler Parsons series

Chandler Parsons left the Rockets as a restricted free agent last summer to sign with the Mavericks. This prompted a war of words between Mavs owner Mark Cuban and Rockets GM Daryl Morey, although that's something that originally stemmed from both of their attempts to sign Dwight Howard in 2013 - which Morey succeeded at. 

"Payback is a bitch" Cuban said in the wake of that, after Morey sent a snarky text to the tech billionaire about trading for Dirk Nowitzki. 

Now like clockwork, on Friday Cuban went for the backhander with Grantland's Kirk Goldsberry.

James Harden, I think, is the MVP. Because that's not a very good team over there.

Boy, two egocentric, social media-savvy team bosses? This just might be a series where the Twitter is on fire.

The Mavericks will be hoping that Parsons will be ready to play after missing the regular season's final six games with knee swelling.

Rajon Rondo is about to prove his worth in Dallas

When Cuban obtained Rajon Rondo from the Boston Celtics in December, this is basically what he had in mind. So forget him slowing down the Mavs offense since his arrival or psychological profiles that group him with Kobe Bryant. What he does in the coming weeks will define his tenure in Dallas. 

We know he defends James Harden capably - The Beard only shot 33 percent when Rondo was the nearest defender, according to NBA Savant. In 92 career postseason games, the point guard has averaged 14.5 points, 9.2 assists and two steals.

Tyson Chandler vs. Dwight Howard

The two centers combined for four straight NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards from 2009-12, and both rim protectors - not surprisingly - are integral to their respective teams' success. While Howard has much better perimeter defenders in front of him, the loss of Patrick Beverley does hurt the Rockets. 

Howard may be better offensively, but keep in mind he averaged 26 points and almost 14 rebounds in last year's playoff series against the Portland Trail Blazers - a series Houston lost in six games.

Projected starting lineups

Series outlook